Police policy on recruits attacked

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The police force came under fire yesterday for continuing to insist on height and weight restrictions and gender quotas in its recruitment policy.

In the Home Affairs panel yesterday, lawmakers were told the Fire Services Department and other disciplinary forces had agreed to remove height and weight requirements but the police force insisted it had 'unique operational needs'.

'Frontline officers are required to deal with violent situations and people with violent inclinations,' Assistant Commissioner Tang King-shing said.

'They have to have a very strong build because we're talking about carrying some 5kg of ammunition and equipment.'

Mr Tang said the police had to maintain the restrictions.

But Democrat legislator James To Kun-sun said candidates should also be assessed on their ability. He agreed with the Equal Opportunities Commission's recommendation that the Sex Discrimination Ordinance should be amended to oversee disciplinary services recruitment, which is now exempted.